Technical energy savings versus changes in human behaviour

Energy savings seems to be the most environmentally benign element in an energy policy. The paper is a reflection on the work on saving energy both by improving technology and by adapting human daily behaviour. A simple model is suggested for the energy chain which converts the primary energy all the way into human satisfaction via energy services.

Results of various analyses and field experiments show saving potentials for electricity of 50 - 80 per cents. Barriers for implementing these technical saving options are discussed. Also the necessity and potentials for changing behavioural or life style is discussed, including survey results which points towards a change in values towards more demand for leisure time rather than more income.

Finally result from a study for a low electricity Europe is included.